Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!
Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, along with their faithful, civic leaders, families, children and seniors joined together for the 20th Annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting.
The lighting, which took place on Bogart Avenue and Pelham Parkway South, near Bronx House, 990 Pelham Parkway South, was one of three menorah lightings in Pelham Parkway to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Tuesday, December 16.
The holiday event began with Klein and Gjonaj speaking to Bronxites about the importance of Hanukkah, along with the background of the holiday, which included information about the ‘Festival of lights’ and the miraculous story about a one-day supply of oil lasting for eight full days.
Klein and Gjonaj also talked in great detail about the event’s history, which reached its 20-year milestone this year, and began when the senator was first elected as a freshman assemblyman in 1994.
“On Hanukkah we celebrate, honor and remember miracles both big and small with the lighting of the menorah,” said Senator Klein.
“I am delighted to lead this special tradition each year and be joined by Assemblyman Gjonaj, Rabbi Greenberg, Brad Silver and local Bronx families in this joyous festivity. Warm wishes to all those who are celebrating and a happy holiday to everyone.”
Assemblyman Gjonaj also expressed the importance of Hanukkah and the holiday tradition, stating that “he is very happy to celebrate in all cornerstones of his district, and that it is a special time for many families in his community.”
The community leader were followed by Rabbi Israel Greenberg, who then proceeded with a recitation of three blessings, a traditional routine prior to a menorah lighting.
After Greenberg recited the blessings, Klein and Gjonaj lit the shamash (middle candle) and the left-most candle on the ten-foot menorah, officially kicking off the Hanukkah holiday in style.
“Keeping the tradition of Hanukkah and this annual menorah lighting alive is a great feeling,” said Rabbi Greenberg. “This event continues to stand as a very important one for those in the Jewish community as well as the non-Jewish community in Pelham Parkway, and having these ceremonies is great way to continue a great tradition.”
Throughout the Hanukkah lighting festivities, those in attendance were treated to gelt, the traditional chocolate of Hanukkah, as well as light snacks and refreshments.
The Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Bronx House was followed by a second lighting near Einstein Hospital, on the corner of Morris Park Avenue and Eastchester Road, and a third lighting on Pelham Parkway South and White Plains Road, which concluded the local Hanukkah’s festivities.
